News

All Blacks

Coetzee feels for Stormers after loss

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee was 'gutted' for his players when they got within four minutes of a first Investec Super Rugby win over the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

A Tom Taylor penalty goal in the 76th minute gave the home team a lucky 14-13 win after the Stormers made much of the play in the game.

Coetzee told iamastormer.com: "I'm gutted for the guys – the effort they put in – they deserved the victory.

"The game was there for the taking but it just slipped away from us in those final 12 minutes. In the end, some of our own errors cost us again. We left two tries out there for instance, but after an effort like that you cannot help but feel for the guys."

Coetzee said he was especially sorry that the effort put in by flanker Schalk Burger could not be rewarded with a win.

"He will be hurting more than most, but it's up to us to get up emotionally for our next game – against the defending champion Chiefs just six days away," he said.

There were few areas of concern for Coetzee and he was impressed with the character his side showed.

"I've said it before, but this team has immense character. I thought the guys were unbelievable in all departments out there in what was an unbelievable performance, but their character stood out the most.

"Looking ahead, it's about taking all our chances and recovering ahead of our next assignment," he said.

Injury concerns after the game centred on hooker Scarra Ntubeni (calf), prop Pat Cilliers (rib cartilage) and fullback Jaco Taute (AC joint). Ntubeni was of the most concern as his calf muscle was most likely torn.